How Steven Spielberg Convinced J.J. Abrams to Direct Star Wars
In an upcoming issue of THR, Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy are interviewed on how the pair convinced J.J. Abrams to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Kennedy was asked whether she considered asking Spielberg to direct, though she adamantly stated that she didn't.
“No. Steven and I had many conversations about J.J.” Spielberg then added his thoughts. “I brought J.J.'s name up. I thought J.J. would be the best person to direct Episode 7 and I called J.J. and said 'Would you do it if it was offered to you?' He said, 'I would but my wife won't let me 'cause she doesn't want me to restart any more franchises.'
"Kathy said 'Are you kidding? Of course I would. But why would J.J. do Star Wars; he's already done Mission Impossible and Star Trek,’” Stevens recounted. The acclaimed filmmaker then went on to explain that taking Abrams and his wife to dinner with he and his wife might help to sway Mrs. Abrams toward the idea.
"I said to Katie, 'I think there's a chance that J.J. could direct Star Wars. What do you think of that?' And Katie turned to J.J. and said, 'That would be amazing. Really?' And I went outside the restaurant, picked up my phone, called Kathy and said, "When can we meet with J.J.?" And that's how the whole thing began.”
Like all things, it starts with a woman. Once J.J. Abrams got permission, the rest is history.
Source: Comicbook
